Turbo Archives

Leno’s Turbo Tank

More of an art project that a real car … check out one the most famous vehicles in Jay’s collection …

November 1, 2006

Fuel Rails and Turbos for Jay Leno’s Tank Car

A big engine’s gonn’a need a lott’a fuel! With the airflow potential of 1600+ horsepower from the two Honneywell/Garrett TR 72T turbochargers, the fuel system must supply

April 20, 2006

Jay Leno’s Tank Car: The Early Stages

Follow along with us as we take a behind-the-scenes trip through the Banks Advanced Prototype Engineering laboratory to view the magical transformation of a Cold War-era giant

January 8, 2006

Diesel Power

For Decades, Fringe Hot Rodders Have Been Predicting a High-Performance Diesel Revolution.

August 31, 2005

Banks “Rat Rod” Shop Truck

How the Banks Race Shop modified its twin-turbo “Rat Rod” pickup for the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour

July 31, 2005

The World’s First Road Racing Pickup Truck

How many of you know that Banks’ Race Shop is building a roadracing truck? Did you know that the truck is going to be diesel powered? That’s right! A diesel powered roadracing truck! And it will be twin-turbocharged!

What’s the big deal you say? Well, diesels have several advantages over gasoline. First is mileage. Diesels generally achieve 20-40% higher mileage than gasoline-powered equivalents. Improving mileage means less fuel stops in an endurance race. This is a huge advantage and one that can shave critical minutes off of a team’s total time.

July 6, 2005

Turbo Lover: Part One

Have you ever heard a sound that gave you goose bumps just by hearing it? Ever since I was a kid that magic tone for me was that of a turbine whine. To me it just sounds like power incarnate. I mean…what’s more powerful sounding than a jet taxiing and taking off? That is the sound that suckered me into buying my first turbocharged car: the underrated Merkur XR4Ti. I like my vehicles to be different, and this one sure fit the bill. Aside from looking like the forbidden love child of Saab and a Ford Escort, it had a blown Pinto 2.3 liter engine that whined louder than a dentist’s drill. Turbo lag was BIG, but when it finally built up the power its demeanor turned from that of a timid koala bear to a raging donkey and squished my unassuming passengers deep into their seats. Sweeeet!

April 20, 2005

Blue Oval Fever

From Econolines to Explorers, Fords have been a lifelong passion. My deep-rooted connection to the Blue Oval began with early memories of family road trips and evolved into a career in automotive engineering. This hands-on experience, from rebuilding engines to racing Fords, fuels my enthusiasm for the brand. Whether you’re a die-hard Ford fan or considering a vehicle upgrade, discover the thrill of the open road with a Ford built for adventure and performance.

April 15, 2005